This blog, Beijing Bound and Beyond, began as the story of the USA Field Hockey Team in our quest for Olympic Glory. It detailed the training, the travels, the triumphs and the timeless memories of our Olympic Journey. It has since transformed into a blog about my personal journey through life. I hope you will join me on this journey as I navigate and experience the world. Enjoy!!
xx rache

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Out and About in the Village. . .

Good Evening, or should I say Good Morning. Regardless of the time of day, the news I have to share is exciting. First let me preface you with the fact that the village is thriving as new batches of athletes arrive daily. The chaos in the dining hall is a key indicator of the increase in athlete volume. In order to understand the capacity of the dining hall let me draw you a mental picture . . . combine 6 football fields (3 deep and 2 wide), then line the space with thousands upon thousands of tables, put in buffet style food stands and add one McDonalds café, and there you have the village dining hall. Needless to say, the dining hall is the prime location for socializing, culturizing, and simply people watching. Today, there was extra excitement at meal time as some big time athletes arrived - ehhh, maybe you have heard of Michael Phelps, or perhaps Roger Federer or how about Spanish tennis phenom, Rafael Nadal. Yes indeed, we saw all of them. What is so amazing to me is the idea that all of the athletes here are competing for something greater than themselves; we are competing for the pride, honor and respect of our countries.

Speaking of pride and honor in our country, we celebrated the raising of the USA flag in the village this evening. Members of the USA delegation gathered in the International Zone where the Village Mayor welcomed the USA delegation to 2008 Olympic Games. The flag was raised slowly and steadily in harmony with the national anthem. It was an awe inspiring and breathtaking moment; as the anthem played, I realized it was the first time I had heard the national anthem at the 2008 Olympics.

Rachel,Thank you so much for taking the time to write about your experience. You are allowing us to get a feel for the Olympics that we might not otherwise have. We in Berlin are all behind you and your team. Good luck!

Rachel.Thank you some much for your wonderful, and vivid descriptions of your Olympic experience..you must have learned to write like that in 3rd grade..lol..Keep up the great work,enjoy yourself and the best of luck..I can't wait to see you on tv!!!Love,Mrs. Mansis

Your old friends in Berlin are beaming with pride... we love your blog and feel we are right there with you. We wish you so much luck and a lifetime full of wonderful memories. Hugs, Martha & Tony(Mr. & Mrs. Kin)